Our Favourite Things (about Junior House!)

22 May 2026 - Junior

This has been a term in which the UIIIs have really come into their own, striking a wonderful balance between the demands of school life and making time for fun. Despite the challenges of exams, the girls have shown growing confidence, resilience and maturity, while still making the most of the joy and camaraderie of Junior House. They have particularly enjoyed spending time with their Senior Houses, with picnic suppers offering special opportunities to build friendships, share experiences and enjoy some well-earned downtime together.

This term has also featured my favourite Closed Weekend of the year, as our wonderful Weekend Activities team brought a silent disco, giant inflatables, a petting zoo and even a churro van onto site! The girls had a marvellous time, and we were blessed with lovely weather throughout. The lighter evenings have also meant the girls have been making full use of the play equipment in the Junior House garden; the swings remain a firm favourite, made even better with evening ice lollies.

We have been keen to reflect on the girls’ favourite parts of Junior House and celebrate everything that makes it such a special place. I spoke the girls about their favourite things and compiled them into a reworked version of The Sound of Music’s ‘My Favourite Things’. It was lovely hearing all the girls’ thoughts on Junior House; in total, we had over 40 unique favourites. Sadly, not all of them made the final cut in the song, but I hope it has helped the girls reminisce and celebrate their time in Junior House.

Our Favourite Things

Toasties on Tuesdays and tuck after dinner,
Pot Noodles steaming, you’re onto a winner!
Satsumas, hot chocolate, warm suppers that bring
These are a few of our favourite things.

Hair braiding, phone time, late bunk-bed whispers,
Hundreds of Jellycat toys and bright dorm-door stickers,
Fidget toys played with while silent disco swings,
These are a few of our favourite things.

Checking for post and hot water bottles,
Pillow forts built up with blankets and novels,
Meadow walks laughing while everyone sings,
These are a few of our favourite things.

Film nights and smoothie bowls, Saturday fixtures,
House songs and dance-offs and cheering for match wins,
Visits from Sia and Lucia with bright smiling grins,
These are a few of our favourite things.

Running for breakfast and “Laptops! Wristbands! Water bottles!”
Skincare and reading in slippers that shuffle,
Tea with Mrs Hawkins and all the joy it brings,
These are a few of our favourite things.

When the bells ring,
When homesickness stings,
When prep feels too long,
We simply remember our favourite things,
And then we feel happy once more!

I hope you enjoy reading (and perhaps singing!) our version of ‘My Favourite Things’ and do let me know if you give it a try. It has been such a joy to reflect on all the little things that make Junior House so special. We are now very much looking ahead to an exciting final half term, including the UIII play, the residential to Wales, and our final House Inning. There is much to be excited about, and I know the girls will throw themselves into these final events of the year with their usual enthusiasm and spirit.

Isabella Wilson